More Fusarium Information:

FOLICUR - Directions for Use

FOLICUR 432 F (tebuconazole) is the only fungicide recommended by OMAFRA for use against FHB. It received an emergency registration in 1999 and 2000 in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and again in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec for the year 2001. The main points to remember when considering a FOLICUR application on wheat are:

• FOLICUR 432 F may only be applied if the forecasted levels of DON exceed, or are close to tolerance levels. DON forecasts are based on actual/predicted weather and the crop development. The forecast maps are updated daily.


• Timing: the stage of wheat development is critical. The best time to spray is when 25% of the heads are in flower (Figure 4). For more details, see this note on Timing.


• Spray coverage is important. FOLICUR is a systemic fungicide, but there is not enough time for the active ingredient to translocate into the plant. Therefore, the whole wheat head must be covered thoroughly for best results. The sprayer should be set up to direct as much of the material as possible on the wheat heads. This is best accomplished using two nozzles facing forward and back at each normal nozzle mount (see spray nozzle section). An aerial fixed-wing application is considered equal to the twin-jet nozzle configuration. Remember even with an optimum nozzle configuration only 10% of the spray will hit the head with most of it ending up on the ground (Figure 8).


• Water volume is important. For ground sprayers, the label recommends about 100- 200 L/ha. If more is applied, the risk of infection might be increased, because water is important for infection. If less is applied the risk of poor coverage is increased. A surfactant is recommended. Use any non-ionic surfactant such as AGRAL 90 at the lowest labeled rate. This will help the FOLICUR to penetrate, spread and stick to the heads.


• Expected level of control: FOLICUR will not provide 100% control. When applied correctly, you can expect, on average, a minimum of about 50% reduction in disease and DON. Using varieties with better Fusarium tolerance increases the level of expected control. We have seen as high as 90-100% control with more resistant varieties.


• Application rate: apply FOLICUR 432 F at 292 mL/ha. For more information, see the FOLICUR label (PDF).